“Battery charging station” means an electrical component assembly or cluster or component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric vehicles, which meet or exceed any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by Chapter 19.28 RCW or as it may be amended and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540 or as it may be amended.

“Battery electric vehicle (BEV)” means a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. As with other electric vehicles, BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of internal combustion engines (ICEs) for propulsion. Sometimes, all-electric vehicles are referred to as BEVs (although a plug-in hybrid vehicle is also a battery electric vehicle).

“Battery exchange station” means a fully automated facility that will enable an electric vehicle with a swappable battery to enter a drive lane and exchange the depleted battery with a fully charged battery through a fully automated process, which meets or exceeds any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by Chapter 19.27 RCW or as it may be amended and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540 or as it may be amended.

“Charging levels” means the electrical force, or voltage, at which an electric vehicle’s battery is recharged. Levels 1, 2, and 3 are the most common EV charging levels, and include the following specifications:

“Electric motorcycle,” also referred to as an e-motorcycle, means a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board source, that is stored on board for motive purpose.

“Electric vehicle” means any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board source, that is stored on board for motive purpose. “Electric vehicle” includes:

“Electric vehicle charging station” means a public or private parking space located together with a battery charging station which permits the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other storage device in an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle charging station is permitted as an accessory use to any principal use. However, only a private battery charging station is permitted in a residential neighborhood.

“Electric vehicle infrastructure” where permitted means structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support an electric vehicle, including battery charging stations, rapid charging stations, and battery exchange stations.

“Electric vehicle parking space” means any marked parking space that identifies the use to be exclusively for an electric vehicle.

“Medium-speed electric vehicle” means a self-propelled, electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicle, equipped with a roll cage or crush-proof body design, whose speed attainable in one mile is more than 25 miles per hour but not more than 35 miles per hour and otherwise meets or exceeds the federal regulations set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.500.

“Neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)” means an electric vehicle that is capable of traveling at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.

“Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV)” means a hybrid with high-capacity battery that can be charged by plugging it into an electrical outlet or charging station. Such vehicles can store enough electricity to significantly reduce their petroleum use under typical driving conditions.

“Rapid charging station” means an industrial grade electrical outlet that allows for faster recharging of electric vehicle batteries through higher power levels, which meets or exceeds any standards, codes, and regulations set forth by Chapter 19.28 RCW or as it may be amended and consistent with rules adopted under RCW 19.27.540 or as it may be amended.

(a) Number Required. This is an optional improvement. No minimum number of stalls applies; provided, if electric vehicle stalls are reserved for electric vehicles, care should be taken to ensure enough spots are available for all of a site’s parking needs.

(b) Generally. Location and layout of electric vehicle parking is expected to vary based on the design and use of the primary parking lot. It is expected flexibility will be required to provide the most convenient and functional service to users. Standards and criteria should be considered guidelines and flexibility should be allowed when alternatives can better achieve objectives for provision of this service.

(c) Signage to Identify. Each charging station space should be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours of operation should be included if time limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced by the owner.

(d) Directional Signage. Installation of directional signs at the parking lot entrance and at appropriate decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).

(e) Maintenance. Charging station equipment should be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the charging equipment.

(f) Accessibility. Where charging station equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian circulation area, such as a sidewalk or accessible route to the building entrance, charging equipment should be located so as to not interfere with accessibility requirements of WAC 51-50-005 or as it may be amended.

(g) Lighting. Where charging station equipment is installed, adequate site lighting should also be provided unless charging is for daytime purposes only.

(h) Notification of Station Specifics. Information on the charging station must identify voltage and amperage levels and time of use, fees, and/or safety information.